Collaborative law is a form of limited scope representation:
it is currently being practiced in the following States
- California
- Texas
- Utah
- North Carolina
- Wisconsin
- Florida
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
More states are to follow in time here is why States are considering. Budget cuts and over crowded courtrooms handling all the Family law cases. Courts are forced to look for alternatives, Collaborative law is one way.
It is where an attorney is retained solely for the purpose of reaching a settlement and expressly not for the purpose of litigation. You never enter a courtroom.
Messy divorces & custody battles devastate all those involved emotionally & financially. A full blown trial could take years of litigation and cost $60,000 – $ 100,000 for most families both parties are drained, then when the money is gone the children’s college fund drained, the house in foreclosure the the coupe is able to settle with out stepping foot in court.
The Collaborative Law process provides lawyers and clients with an important, useful, and cost-effective option for amicable non-adversarial dispute resolution, like mediation, it promotes problem solving and permits solutions not possible in litigation or arbitration.
Each party hires a trained Collaborative law attorney. The attorney acts as a counselor to that person alone, neither side can go to court or threaten to do so nor the process terminates both lawyers.
Keep checking to see if your State has adopted this program.
Family First
By Dr Phil
A very good book to read before a divorce or during, it helps both parents see their role to keeping it civil for the emotional securtiy and well being of the children. Talks about Parent Alienation and how that effects children, why they need both parents and the back fire to keeping one parent away from the child.
Mediate, Don’t Litigate
Building a Parenting Agreement That Works
A Guide to Divorce by the American Bar Association
Everything you need to know about the law and marriage, domestic partnerships and child custody
Collaborative Law:
Achieving Effective Resolution without litigation
Collaborative Divorce:
New method that results in less stress, lower costs, and happier kids with out going to court.
